UVA Launches Innovative Career Design Initiative for All Undergrads

New program aims to help liberal arts students discover fulfilling career paths.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The University of Virginia's College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences has launched a robust Career Design and Discovery initiative to deepen its investment in experiential learning and career exploration for all undergraduates. The program, believed to be the first of its kind among liberal arts institutions, will help students connect their academic interests to professional development opportunities and build a roadmap for navigating their futures.

Why it matters

The initiative aims to address the misconception that liberal arts students have limited career options. By integrating career design into advising and the classroom, the program seeks to widen access to opportunities and help students develop the 'genuinely human intelligence' that will be increasingly valuable in the workplace as AI advances.

The details

The program will be led by Julia Lapan, an expert in innovative career and professional development, who previously created a similar model for UVA's School of Engineering and Applied Science. Through the initiative, students will connect their academics and self-inquiry to internships, co-curricular activities, research, study abroad, and community engagement to build confidence, skills, and professional connections.

  • The Career Design and Discovery initiative launched in February 2026.

The players

Julia Lapan

The inaugural executive director of career design and discovery at the UVA College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, selected after a national search led by Heidrick & Struggles.

Christa Acampora

The dean of the UVA College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, which is home to three-quarters of entering UVA undergraduates.

Christian Garcia

The associate vice president for career & professional development at the University of Virginia.

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What they’re saying

“Contrary to conventional wisdom of the past 20 years liberal arts and sciences students have the greatest variety of fulfilling and financially rewarding career options, and the key is helping them recognize and develop potential pathways at the same time they're exploring academic interests.”

— Christa Acampora, Dean of the UVA College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences

“I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to realize the vision for students to become active designers of their futures and embrace a sense of adventure and purpose as they move through their undergraduate journey.”

— Julia Lapan, Inaugural Executive Director of Career Design and Discovery

“Talent is everywhere, but access is not. By integrating career design into advising and the classroom, the College is widening the doorway so that all students can see clear pathways to opportunities.”

— Christian Garcia, Associate Vice President for Career & Professional Development

What’s next

The Career Design and Discovery initiative will continue to evolve and expand its offerings to support students throughout their undergraduate journeys.

The takeaway

The UVA College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is pioneering a new model for liberal arts education, integrating career design and exploration to help students develop the 'genuinely human intelligence' that will be increasingly valuable in the modern workforce.